BIG hitters in the debate on independence came out fighting yesterday as Alex Salmond and David Cameron prepared to seal a deal on the referendum tomorrow.

Independent MSP Margo MacDonald said Yes campaigners now had to move on to the issues after the Holyrood and Wesminster leaders sign the so-called “Edinburgh Agreement”.

The deal will mean a single yes-or-no question on whether Scotland should leave the UK in a poll staged in 2014 – with 16-year-olds getting the vote for the first time.

MacDonald said: “I hope people will stop talking about the process and that the Yes side will start to lay out their information, which I trust they’ve got.

“People are not asking questions about whether the referendum will have a sunset clause or whether it will be enacted by Westminster.

“People are worried and are angry in some cases. The Hall’s of Broxburn workers are angry that they should be in the position they’re in.

“The Yes campaign have to start laying out their stall on pensions and benefits.

“People have to be assured that they are not swapping one inadequate government for another.”

Labour constitutional spokeswoman Patricia Ferguson said: “Now that most of the procedural issues have been dealt with, we need answers from the SNP about the real issues that matter to most Scots.

“Would a separate Scotland be part of the EU or remain a member of NATO? How would we look after our most vulnerable citizens and how would a separate Scotland ensure economic stability?

“The SNP can no longer hide behind process and they need to start answering the questions that Scots are asking.”

The SNP yesterday said a YouGov poll of 1000 Scots showed 64 per cent thought the Scottish Government are better at making decisions for the country than the UK Government.

And Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Tomorrow’s agreement will ensure that the decision taken by the people of Scotland will be fully respected by both governments. The referendum is the biggest opportunity the people have had for 300 years to determine the kind of nation we all wish to live in.

“There is no doubt that a majority of people in Scotland want the fairer and wealthier society that independence can deliver. Once the agreement has been signed,it is time for all of us on all sides to set out our arguments and campaign for the future we believe Scotland can have.”

Scottish Secretary Michael Moore said: “The advantages of being part of the UK are quietly accepted by most Scots.

“Often those advantages are left unearthed or go unreported just because they are the status quo.

“This campaign will be an opportunity to change that. We can put up in lights the benefits to Scotland of being part of our United Kingdom.”

Campaign group Yes Scotland said a group of Scottish business figures who previously supported more devolution now backed independence.

The group include multi-millionaire businessman Jim McColl and lawyer James Aitken, who was part of the Devo Plus campaign.

Aitken said: “The fact that all of the main UK political parties are united in their opposition to even devolving minor fiscal powers such as control of the Crown Estate or air passenger duty means that independence is now the only viable option for Scotland.”